RETIRED DOCTOR COMMENTS ON PRIVATE HEALTH : After retiring many people find that private health insurance discounts are no longer available to them.

Worse still, there is an enormous age-related loading in subscription rates which takes place just when incomes are reducing and need increasing.

My own solution, which may be of interest to others in a similar position, was to turn to the Exeter Hospital Aid Society (with which I have no connection other than as a subscriber).

The Society appears to provide very similar benefits to the more widely known schemes and the subscription is not age related.

It even accepts the over 65's. However, there is a once-only age related joining fee. Thereafter normal rates apply and coverage continues up to any age.

Although the Society has been established for more than 50 years its existence is not widely known.

I found it by chance and now pay less than half what I used to! If you are under 74 years of age and wish to learn more about the Exeter Hospital Aid Society please telephone Exeter (0392) 75361 Extension 213 or write to: Exeter Hospital Aid Society, Dept. L , 5 & 7 Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 WE.

SINCE 1927.